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Moon phase in San Diego tonight

Waning Gibbous

85% Illuminated

Tonight in San Diego, the moon is in the Waning Gibbous phase.

The moon is very bright tonight (85% illuminated). Deep-sky objects will be harder to see due to the natural light pollution, but it's a perfect opportunity to observe the lunar surface itself. The ISS will still be visible as it is much brighter than most stars. In San Diego, the Moon is highest at 05:10 (69°).

Cloud Forecast (Next 5h)

Best time to photograph the Moon tonight

Best Time to Shoot

05:10

Moon at transit: altitude 69° (high).

Rises: 22:32 (ENE) • Sets: 11:58 (WNW)

From 32.7°, you get a balanced view. Catch the Moonrise for the best landscape context.

No clear hour in next 5h (best 86% at 00:00).

Earth-Moon Distance

373,441 km ( 10,959 km closer vs avg)

Closer than average (appears larger)

Camera Settings

ISO 100
Aperture f/11
Shutter 1/125s

Bright moon; try 'Looney 11' rule (f/11).

Where to look

  • Moonrise: Look ENE at 22:32 for horizon compositions. Find a low, unobstructed ene horizon (water/fields/rooftops help).
  • Moonset: Look WNW at 11:58 for late-night shots.
  • Highest point: 69° altitude at 05:10.
  • Darkness: Best contrast between 21:17 and 04:32.
  • Weather: Cloud cover is high—watch for brief gaps near 00:00.

Local Viewing Conditions

Bortle Class 7

Urban / Inner City

Intense light pollution.

“City lights won’t stop you seeing the Moon, but they can reduce contrast for photos. Avoid direct streetlights.”

Stars to look for this month

Look high in the sky after midnight for the Summer Triangle.

  • Cygnus
  • Sagittarius
  • Aquila

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to photograph the Moon in San Diego? ▼
For detailed craters, shoot during the First Quarter or Last Quarter phases. Tonight, the Moon is highest in the sky at 05:10 (altitude 69°), which is usually the sharpest time to shoot.
When does astronomical darkness start in San Diego tonight? ▼
True astronomical darkness in San Diego begins at 21:17 and ends at 04:32 .
Is the Moon's highest point in daylight in San Diego today? ▼
No, the Moon transits at 05:10 , which is outside of daylight hours.
What settings should I use for Moon photography? ▼
Start with ISO 100, Aperture f/11, and Shutter Speed 1/125s (the "Looney 11" rule). Adjust based on the moon's brightness—brighter phases allow faster shutter speeds. A tripod is recommended for sharp shots.
Does the Moon look bigger tonight? ▼
The "Moon Illusion" can make it look huge near the horizon. Physically, tonight the Moon is closer than average (appears larger).

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